Modelling of density dependent groundwater flow in the south-western Belgian coastal plain

The study area is situated at the landward border of the Belgian western coastal plain at the right bank of the river Ijzer. The phreatic aquifer is of quaternary age. Until about the 12th century, the hydrology of the area was influenced by the North Sea. The area was criss-crossed by tidal channels and gullies and the aquifer was mainly filled with salt water. From about 1100 AD, the area was gradually reclaimed, halting the influence of the sea. The channels silted up. Fresh water started to infiltrate replacing the salt water. This leads to the actual distribution of fresh and salt water.... Mehr ...